Doro announces an Android smartphone for the elderly, the PhoneEasy 740

On reading a headline as such, one may be prompted to read through it again, and rightly so. Doro, a not-so popular in the smartphone sphere recently took the wraps off an Android smartphone, called the PhoneEasy 740, which is designed for the elderly. Though the brand may not put the above statement in their advertising, the Froyo-based smartphone boasts of features that are tailor-made for senior citizens, but packs a punch for those wanting to get their hands on a variety of apps from the Google Play market as well.

A smartphone designed for senior citizens

As per a report by CNET, “The PhoneEasy 740 is equipped with all the characteristics seen in most devices aimed at seniors. It retains the same generous keypad, the bumped-up audio volume, and the clean interface. But, because it's aimed for those who want something in between an easy-to-use cell phone and a feature-packed smartphone, the PhoneEasy 740 is also an Android device that can browse through the Internet and load apps.”

As for the specifications, one cannot expect to find features that are found on Android smartphones running Gingerbread or Ice Cream Sandwich, instead it is a handset that is heavily laced with their own user interface that will be ideal for senior citizens.

Here is a quick look at the highlighted features of the Doro PhoneEasy 740

Doro Experience Interface

Touch and slide out keypad

5MP camera

Magnifier to help you read small print documents

Security function with GPS location

Charging cradle

Apart form the above mentioned highlighted features, this smartphone also comes with 3G connectivity allowing one to stay connected even when they are not in a Wi-Fi area. The report also states, “The device is all part of Doro's upcoming mobile ecosystem, which also includes a software interface, an app store, and a management tool. The Doro Experience is an interface that you can purchase as an app. It can be installed on a tablet, and there is a PC version of it as well. It can be set as a default launcher, and it gives users access to applications like a calendar, e-mail, and a photo viewer in an easy-to-use, colorful interface.”

Another interesting addition on this handset is that it will have an emergency call button that can dial or send a text message to five numbers already stored on the handset when pressed.

The Doro PhoneEasy 740 will be available at a price of $99 and will be available in the U.S by the second quarter of 2013. As of now, there is no information on when this handset will be globally available or if it will ever reach our humble shores. But with features such as this, it seems that brands are broadening their target audience and are not stopping at launching just feature phones for the elderly, but also smartphones that are aptly designed for them. For more information on this smartphone, click here.